What transitions should be avoided during therapy for children with Down syndrome?

In therapy for children with Down syndrome, the focus is often on providing safe and supportive environments that consider their unique physical and developmental needs. Transitioning from sitting to quadruped can be particularly challenging for these children due to factors such as reduced muscle tone, joint stability, and coordination.

This transition requires the child to engage their upper body strength and stability, which can be difficult for those with hypotonia (decreased muscle tone), a common characteristic in individuals with Down syndrome. This may lead to difficulties in maintaining balance and control during the movement, increasing the risk of falls or injury.

In contrast, other transitions, such as moving from prone to standing, transitioning from sitting to lying down, or moving from standing to walking, may not pose the same level of risk or difficulty and can be addressed with the appropriate therapeutic strategies and support. Thus, focusing on gradual and well-supported transitions is crucial for promoting safety and confidence in movement for children with Down syndrome.